Usually, Glendale law enforcement officers on patrol must have probable cause of a crime before they can initiate a traffic stop and stop a vehicle, typically relying on an observed violation of the California Vehicle Code or California Penal Code. Once stopped, an officer may escalate the investigation into a Glendale DUI investigation if that officer observes objective indications that the driver is under the influence of alcohol or another drug.

With Glendale DUI sobriety checkpoints, law enforcement officers are allowed to stop and monitor every vehicle passing through a specific predetermined location during the duration of the checkpoint. Glendale DUI checkpoints must follow important legal guidelines established by the California Supreme Court in the Ingersoll v. Palmer case. If these guidelines were not followed, the resulting DUI charge may be deemed unconstitutional.

DUI checkpoints in Glendale are conducted at times and places that have historically experienced higher than usual occurrences of DUI arrests and DUI-related car accidents. Typically, this translates into the evening and early morning hours on weekends, and in main thoroughfares. The law allows for checkpoints in Glendale to random. That means that, for example, every 5th car is pulled into the checkpoint.

Once a driver arrives at a Glendale DUI checkpoint, one of the officers assigned to the checkpoint will quickly visually examine and question the driver to ascertain whether or not the presence of alcohol is objectively apparent. The officer will also visually scan the vehicle for related offenses, such as driving with an open container of alcohol, tinted windows or use of a phone while driving.

If the officer does not observe objective signs of intoxication, they will allow the driver to leave the Glendale DUI checkpoint freely. However, if evidence of intoxication is detected, or a person's license or registration is not perfect, that driver will be stopped and detained for further DUI investigation.

The California Supreme Court has laid out the guidelines that must be followed for a Glendale DUI checkpoint to pass Constitutional muster.

It is required that the Glendale DUI checkpoint be conducted by a supervising officer. This senior officer must select a time and location of the checkpoint that has been shown to have a higher than usual amount of DUI arrests or DUI traffic collision. This supervising officer must also ensure that the DUI checkpoint is conducted in an unbiased fashion, and must establish strict criteria to determine exactly what vehicles are stopped. For example, allowing every car or every third car passing through the checkpoint to be stopped would be acceptable, but making a rule that only older vehicles or cars with a certain number of occupants should be stopped would violate the law.

As noted, a Glendale DUI sobriety checkpoint must be situated in a location deemed reasonable. This means that the checkpoint must be conducted in an area shown to have high incidents of DUI-related activity, and also that the checkpoint is not established in a way that would endanger officers or the public.

A Glendale DUI checkpoint needs to be "visible" to the public. Law enforcement accomplishes this requirement by both ensuring that the checkpoint is physically visible to approaching vehicles (with flashing lights, bright floodlamps, and marked cruisers present) and also that the existence of all upcoming Glendale DUI checkpoints are advertised in local media and law enforcement websites days or weeks before the actual checkpoint is conducted.

When coming across a Glendale DUI checkpoint, many drivers do not realize that it is perfectly legal to not go through a checkpoint. However, law enforcement officers are often very careful to set up Glendale DUI checkpoints in places where it is difficult to legally maneuver away. For example, someone conducting a U-turn to avoid a Glendale DUI checkpoint may suddenly find their vehicle being stopped by nearby officers because the U-turn was conducted illegally. Needless to say, officers pay very close attention to drivers who appear to be avoiding the Glendale DUI checkpoint, and will look for any probable cause to justify stopping that vehicle.

Because of the many various rules and requirements associated with Glendale DUI checkpoints, it is critical that you have a skilled Glendale DUI Checkpoint attorney on your side.

Glendale DUI Checkpoint Attorney Michael Kraut is experienced at handling Driving Under the Influence charges stemming from arrests at Glendale DUI checkpoints. As a former Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Glendale Courthouse, with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Mr. Kraut has argued cases of this nature from both the state's and defense perspective. Mr. Kraut knows what issues to be aware and will attack and undermine the People's case on those issues at court.

Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan Thomas

★★★★★

I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad

★★★★★

Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida

★★★★★

Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel Lepervanche

★★★★★

Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.